State New Jersey Township Middle FIPS code 3463180 Area 6.45 km² Zip code 08242 Area code Area code 609 | County Cape May Time zone Eastern (EST) (UTC-5) GNIS feature ID 02389752 Elevation 6 m Population 2,444 (2000) | |
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Restaurants Rio Station Restaurant, Momiji Japanese Restaurant, Rio Grande Diner & Family R, Rio Steaks & Pizza, Papa Luigi's Rio Grande Hotels Country Motel, Passport Inn & Suites, Red Roof Inn Rio Grande, Cape Shores Resort, Shelton's Motel | ||
Rio Grande (/rioʊɡrʌndeɪ/) is an unincorporated community and census-designated place (CDP) located within Middle Township in Cape May County, New Jersey, United States. Though located within Middle Township, a small section at the southern edge of the community, located in Lower Township, is sometimes called Rio Grande. It is part of the Ocean City Metropolitan Statistical Area. As of the 2010 United States Census, the CDP's population was 2,670.
Contents
- Map of Rio Grande Middle Township NJ 08242 USA
- History
- Geography
- Climate
- Census 2010
- Census 2000
- Transportation
- WineriesBreweries
- References
Map of Rio Grande, Middle Township, NJ 08242, USA
History
According to Jeffrey M. Dorwart, Rio Grande was founded in the mid-nineteenth century around a country store owned by the Hildreth family. The community was originally called Hildreth for that reason.
George F. Boyer and J. Pearson Cunningham explain that, during the colonial period, Aaron Leaming, the Hildreths and the Cresses had plantations in that area. Where the King's Highway crossed the road coming from Dennisville and Goshen a stage coach terminal was set up, and the spot became the center for trade for the local farming families. Boyer and Cunningham say that the area was known as "Leamings," for the prominent landholders, or as "Hildreth," the family who ran the local store. (p. 121-122) They continue, "The name, Rio Grande, was suggested by the seventh Aaron Leaming who thought this southern United States river had an attractive sound."
Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the CDP had a total area of 2.490 square miles (6.450 km2), including 2.459 square miles (6.369 km2) of land and 0.031 square miles (0.081 km2) of water (1.26%).
Climate
The climate in this area is characterized by hot, humid summers and generally mild to cool winters. According to the Köppen Climate Classification system, Rio Grande has a humid subtropical climate, abbreviated "Cfa" on climate maps.
Census 2010
The 2010 United States Census counted 2,670 people, 1,115 households, and 730.3 families residing in the CDP. The population density was 1,085.8 per square mile (419.2/km2). The CDP contained 1,489 housing units at an average density of 605.5 per square mile (233.8/km2). The racial makeup of the CDP was 86.44% (2,308) White, 5.54% (148) Black or African American, 0.26% (7) Native American, 2.51% (67) Asian, 0.04% (1) Pacific Islander, 3.22% (86) from other races, and 1.99% (53) from two or more races. Hispanics or Latinos of any race were 7.68% (205) of the population.
Out of a total of 1,115 households, 20.8% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 45.4% were married couples living together, 13.6% had a female householder with no husband present, and 34.5% were non-families. 29.1% of all households were made up of individuals, and 12.8% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.37 and the average family size was 2.85.
In the CDP, 18.4% of the population were under the age of 18, 8.0% from 18 to 24, 22.3% from 25 to 44, 31.0% from 45 to 64, and 20.3% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 45.9 years. For every 100 females the census counted 97.6 males, but for 100 females at least 18 years old, it was 96.4 males.
Census 2000
As of the 2000 United States Census there were 2,444 people, 1,029 households, and 658 families residing in the CDP. The population density was 399.8/km2 (1,036.8/mi2). There were 1,294 housing units at an average density of 211.7/km2 (548.9/mi2). The racial makeup of the CDP was 90.79% White, 4.50% African American, 0.29% Native American, 0.94% Asian, 1.10% from other races, and 2.37% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 3.03% of the population.
There are 1,029 households, out of which 25.5% have children under the age of 18 living with them; 46.6% are married couples living together; 13.6% have a female householder with no husband present; and 36.0% were non-families. 30.1% of all households were made up of individuals and 15.4% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.36 and the average family size was 2.93.
In the CDP the population was spread out with 21.6% under the age of 18, 7.7% from 18 to 24, 26.7% from 25 to 44, 24.1% from 45 to 64, and 19.9% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 42 years. For every 100 females there were 91.7 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 91.8 males.
The median income for a household in the CDP was $28,424, and the median income for a family was $38,007. Males had a median income of $32,935 versus $19,643 for females. The per capita income for the CDP was $18,792. About 20.9% of families and 21.4% of the population were below the poverty line, including 32.5% of those under age 18 and 17.9% of those age 65 or over.
Transportation
Cape May Airport, established in 1941 as NAS Rio Grande, is located in the area.